Do You Need A DBS Check To Work With Animals?

DBS Checks are required for most job roles, especially those involving children or vulnerable adults, as safeguarding their welfare is of the utmost importance. Now, there’s no denying that animals deserve to be cared for and protected, but do you need a DBS check to work with animals? Keep reading to find out. 

Do You Need A DBS Check To Work With Animals? 

The short answer is “yes” you will generally need some type of DBS check in order to work with animals – but there are a few cases where you won’t. However, whether you are eligible for a basic, standard, or enhanced check will depend on the position you are applying for. 

Therapy Animals 

If you are working with a therapy animal, you will not necessarily need a DBS check to work with the actual animal. Rather, you will need to obtain a DBS Check due to the nature of the work you carry out with the therapy animal. 

Therapy animals are often taken into hospitals or care homes to provide therapeutic relief or support to children or vulnerable adults. This means that you will be coming into close contact with these people on regular occasions and will therefore require a DBS Check. Specifically, you will need a Standard check if you are working in hospitals and an enhanced check if you are going into care homes for children or the elderly. 

Veterinarians 

Vets are tasked with the responsibility of caring for and providing medical treatment to people’s animals. This means that vets will often be left to take care of these animals unattended. Before veterinarians can begin practising, they must undergo a Standard DBS check in order to rule out any previous offences involving animal cruelty or neglect. 

Dog Walkers / Pet Sitters 

Generally, this role does not require a DBS check; however, some pet sitters and dog walkers choose to get a basic DBS check which demonstrates their trustworthiness. These individuals will need to ensure that they have the proper documentation such as insurance and licences.